Six weeks ago, the doors opened to the SmogOpsTM Canteen -- a unique workspace where people get together to work on a variety of projects. The particular canteen I am writing about -- a SmogOpsTM Canteen can exist anywhere and anywhen there is a will to do so -- is located in the multi-functional studio of General E.J. "Nunan" Gold, 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., seven nights a week.
The group that gathers ranges in size from 10 to 20 individuals with the count reaching as high as 30 or 40 for special events. Activities include artwork of various kinds: painting on canvas, sculpture, ceramics, charcoals, the painting and weathering of models, music recording, art cataloging and anything else that needs to get done. The market for our high-end Halloween masks was recently strategized at the Canteen, while the crew of Santa's Workshop is gearing up to produce holiday gifts. On breaks, Smog Operatives relax by playing Perquackey (a game similar to Scrabble, but with a time limit) or Chess, never missing an opportunity to exercise their attention.
The crew's vitality lasts through the night with the help of Mess Sergeant Julia Glasse and the Canteen Kitchen Unit. At approximately 0011:36:00 p.m.. (give or take a few seconds) an early snack of cookies or a muffin is served with tea or grape juice. Later, between 2 and 3 a.m. or thereabouts, a high protein vegetarian meal with a consistently outstanding "Deliciousness Index" is served to the always appreciative SmogOpsTM contingent.
Recent highlights from the Canteen include: a visit by actor Curtis Armstrong -- you've seen him in the archetypal role of "Booger" in Revenge of the Nerds -- he's researching for a film about Harry Nilsson; the tongue in cheek birth of the Post Pop Art Movement, inspired by the visit by a Los Angeles gallery owner and the requirements of what would sell in his shop -- he suggested bright colors, holiday themes and lots of heart and flowers; and the painting collaboration between General Nunan and the LA artist of the moment, the Man with the Hat, Tom X.
General Nunan has been extremely prolific as is his wont. He's painting some of the largest canvasses -- up to 14' by 30' this correspondent has ever seen from him. He's also hard at work programming Cyberspace Levels on his G.O.D.D. (Games of Diablical Distinction) engine, constructing a computer game equivalent of the ABD as well as finding time to give videotaped lessons on charcoals, sculpture, and the first in a series of talks on "Maze Brightness." In the recording studio Nunan recently composed, produced and played percussion and vocals on "One Single Outbreath" which also features the talents of General Xaxx, Menlo Macfarlane, David Christie, Iven Lourie, Douglass-Truth, Laylah Gold, Jacob Gold, all under the musical direction of co-writer General Tsing Tsang Tsong.
The Canteen calls, it's time for me to go and I've barely scratched the surface. The premise of the SmogopsTM Canteen is to get together and work, because it's easier to do so in a group than it is alone, even if the projects are individual. The atmosphere created fuels the work. I've attempted to portray this atmosphere and have failed beautifully. I say beautifully because I think I've succeeded in piquing your interest enough to investigate staging a SmogopsTM Canteen in your area.
--Colonel Zarnox
